AN inquest into the death of a heroin user was adjourned yesterday after two witnesses failed to turn up.

Darlington and South Durham coroner Colin Penna issued a summons for one of the absentees at the request of the family of Peter Fuller, 35, of Langdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, who was found dead in a yard in Rowan Avenue, in February last year.

Consultant pathologist Dr Clive Bloxham told the hearing in Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court that Mr Fuller had died from acute respiratory failure due to a heroin overdose. He had also drunk a large amount of alcohol.

The inquest was adjourned until the summons can be served